Consider your current system's needs and performance requirements before deciding on an upgrade.
Consider your current system's needs and performance requirements before deciding on an upgrade.
I focus on gaming only. Right now I’m playing at 1440p with 144Hz. My rig has a 6600K CPU and a GTX 1080. I’m thinking about upgrading the CPU, but I want to stay under $400 (max around 3800x). Here’s what I have:
- Intel Core i5-6600K @ 3.5GHz
- GTX 1080 at 8GB
- MSI Z170A motherboard
- G.Skill Ripjaws V RAM (16GB)
- Newegg SSD
- Hitachi 7K2000 HDD
I’m considering a CPU upgrade to something between 3700x and 4000x. What should I pick?
You might prefer Intel in this case since your RAM speed is low and Intel doesn’t require as much as Ryzen. An 8700 nonk plus a cooler would work just like a regular 8700k, and with a budget model like the b360/365 it should match any current Ryzen gaming performance. The total would be around $300 for the CPU, $80 for the cooler, and $380 for RAM, bringing you to roughly $760. Alternatively, spending about $200 on a Ryzen 5 3600, $150 on a decent b450, and $100 on fast 3600 RAM would get you close to $450. Or go for a 3700x, $100 on 3600 RAM, and $175 on a quality b450/x570 for around $585. I’d skip the 9700k as it wasn’t common in 2020.
Looks like the inventory for nonk 8700s vanished. I spotted them a few days back for $310.
I notice you're pointing out differences in performance across benchmarks. In most tests I've reviewed, the 9700k is showing better results than the 8700k. Also, I'm ignoring the GPU and RAM when setting my spending limit, so it seems like I won't hit 3600. My goal is to achieve a smoother experience at 1440p with as close to 144hz as possible.
Adjusted the same; 9700k and 8700k are almost the same with no noticeable differences in this recent case.
I'll switch between 8700, 8700k, and 9700k based on the price you secure on any of them. Appreciate the details!